Advice before buying Polo GTI DSG

[dms7]

Hi guys,

My first post here since I sold my Golf 4 GTI in 2003.

I know this is a widely asked question - I have searched for it before asking - but I want to ask specifically about the gearbox issues on 2013 model and newer DSG polo GTIs.

Have they resolved the issues?

I remeber having gearbox issues on my G4 GTI back then (2nd gear synchro) and VW SA refused to acknowledge it even though it was a worldwide fault on that particular model. I suspect their attitude hasn't changed much ? Such a shame..

Any advice?

Thanks

[BIER@FlashRedGTI]

Dsg shudder is a known fault and a lot of people have had their clutch packs replaced under warranty. Problem is the gearbox stays in 2nd at low speed and rides the clutch. Think there is a campaign for new dsg software and dsg oil change to address the issue.

Sent while overtaking you in my Polo Gti

[SemiColon]

Hello,

Also, if you are buying used, have it checked and scanned for any flags.
Otherwise you will lose warranty if it has been modded.

[dms7]

@bier and @semi thanks appreciate the advice

[Tidy]

wasnt there some issues with the SC on some models?

[SemiColon]

Apparently so yes, and early models (2010/2011 iirc) has piston ring issues and used quite a bit of oil.

[Le Clue]

My 2013.5 Polo GTI has no issues whatsoever. My gearbox came from the factory with the correct oil and SW, no engine issues... Just perfect.

[crumbs]

Apparently so yes, and early models (2010/2011 iirc) has piston ring issues and used quite a bit of oil.

Only came out in 2011...

Anyways, watch out for the 2011/2012 models due to above issues.

[ruler_70]

Whether you're buying the car new or used, please take following into account:

If you're buying new, wait for the new face lifted Polo GTI which is about to be launched, which ditches the problematic 1.4tfsi for the new 1.8T found in the new Audi A3's, which has a higher power output and is far more reliable.

If you're buying used, wait for the face lift to be launched before buying, because current models will drop in price once the new one is available.

[Hotdubz]

ditches the problematic 1.4tfsi for the new 1.8T found in the new Audi A3's, which has a higher power output and is far more reliable.

this is going to be a good platform to mod! that motor has lots of potential.

[BIER@FlashRedGTI]

That motor also has Siemens ECU.

Sent while overtaking you in my Polo Gti

[dms7]

Thanks all - unfortunately I'll have to buy elsewhere as not looking for maintenance troubles. Pity because the Polo GTI is such a great package.


Thanks for great advice

[SemiColon]

Thanks all - unfortunately I'll have to buy elsewhere as not looking for maintenance troubles. Pity because the Polo GTI is such a great package.


Thanks for great advice

Hey wait!!
The issues are the exception and not the rule!

[BIER@FlashRedGTI]

My car is 2012, highly modified and no major issues since new.

Sent while overtaking you in my Polo Gti

[ruler_70]

ditches the problematic 1.4tfsi for the new 1.8T found in the new Audi A3's, which has a higher power output and is far more reliable.

this is going to be a good platform to mod! that motor has lots of potential.

Definitely, I'm very much looking forward to this motor in the pgti, because it means lots of new mods will be developed for my Audi too

[Jama]

Not a single issue at all

[RayC]

I had one and had a few issues:

- Radiator cracked which resulted all the coolant leaking out, replaced under warranty
- Fuse box and fuse plate blew, also replaced under warranty
- Dsg box used to get confused now and again, also shuddered on occasions when taking off
- Used about 1L of oil every 10 000km or so

[ruler_70]

I had one and had a few issues:

- Radiator cracked which resulted all the coolant leaking out, replaced under warranty
- Fuse box and fuse plate blew, also replaced under warranty
- Dsg box used to get confused now and again, also shuddered on occasions when taking off
- Used about 1L of oil every 10 000km or so

This isn't an issue, this is normal on all turbo cars.

[Skinnypete]

I bought a used 2011 Polo Gti with low mileage 4 years ago. Dsg clutch started to shudder when driving in traffic and on hot days. I feel the box changes up too quickly and rides the clutch. I started to drive in manual mode only witch stopped the shudderring problem and somehow gave me better fuel effeciency. I dont know if the new models dsg boxes are better, but I will certainly not buy one again.

The vehicle also used a lot of oil which I assumed was normal due to turbo and supercharger. Then 1 day sitting in traffic towards work the engine packed up with 68000km on the odo. I was shocked to find that an oil ring broke followed by compression ring and piston. But not as shocked as vw quote for a new engine block sub assembly @ R115,000. Got lucky though and replaced it with a used engine @R50,000.

In short I would not advise driving any performance car out of waranty and even though I enjoyed the Gti and dsg at times, I will not buy a dsg again.

[Wade]

Hi Skinnypete.

#necropost much.

Just as new as you however after almost 4 years since the last post I am sure the OP has moved on.

[Ulysses]

my experience with a 2011 used Polo gti in 2015 was dismal between 52000kms and 59000kms . the rings and pistons were replaced . Then 2000kms later the turbo blew. fixed under guarantee again.
then less than 1800kms later the piston let go and went thru the block . New motor under guaramtee. Then the day I went to fetch the car I waited for 2 hours while the mechanics were doing some final check ups .(so I was told) I walked outside to have a smoke and there was my car with 4 mechanics around it . Problem... the rings or pistons let go again ... this after not even 25kms.

Had long winded arguments with vwsa who were only prepared to extend the warranty which had only 1000kms left to extend for 10000kms only .
Had no choice but to trade it in on another polo having lost R30000 JUST ON DE PRECIATION.in 12 months
WROTE TO BUYERS GUIDE WHO ADVISED GET RID OF IT. I must point out whilst many of you are thinking I thrashed the car !!!!! I am 70 years old and drove it in economy mode the whole time I had it.I really went over 5000rpm. So much for the 2011 model. By the way it was also using oil which the dealership alpine motors said was normal ie 1 can every 1000kms .

[kingozzi]

The 1.4 PGTI is ****. U are lucky if yours hasn't given u a headache and sleepless nights. I have a 2013 model. I changes the water pump, timing chain pcv valve and injectours. Sitting @ 65k milage and i think my exhust cam is about to pack coz it makes a rattling noise during cold starts and i think also turbo is about to pack coz boots comes late after 3500 rmp and the car is stock no mods i am afraid it will just blow the motor ..But then again i think all new cars are kak. This down sizing and cheap materials methods is not work for us users but makes billions for manufactures..1st batch polo 1.2 tsi 8 valves has a problem with braking pistons or rings, cause: injectors spray pattern. It spray and cleans the cylinder walls oil which result in excessive heat nd boom the piston packs. 1.4 tsi twincharger. Excessive oil usage, faulty G.box and magnetic supercharge clutch.. i recently saw 3 G7 GTI @ VW all in for a intake cam replacement.. interesting how much a piston costs @ vw compared to a forged one.. just my 2 cents gents

[Neuk]

Anybody know if the OP bought a Polo GTI? Especially considering this great, 4 years too late advice...

[Skinnypete]

I also wish I knew about the reliability issues 4 years ago. I am too scared to drive my Gti now since I found out how expensive they are to repair.

Anyway, I am looking at getting a 2016 Golf 2.0 TDI Comfortline. Does anyone perhaps know of any problems or issues that I should be looking out for on this model?

[Supervan II]

I must point out whilst many of you are thinking I thrashed the car !!!!! I am 70 years old and drove it in economy mode the whole time I had it.I really went over 5000rpm.

There's your problem right there!